What practice helps to prevent contamination of surface and groundwater?

Buffer zones are designated areas established between pesticide application sites and sensitive environmental features, such as bodies of water or wellheads. These zones play a crucial role in preventing pesticide runoff into surface waters and reducing the risk of leaching into groundwater. By maintaining a strip of land that is left uncultivated or planted with vegetation, buffer zones can filter out contaminants and absorb excess rainwater, allowing it to infiltrate the soil instead of carrying pollutants into nearby water bodies.

Implementing buffer zones is especially important in areas where water quality is a concern, as they help safeguard aquatic ecosystems and protect public health by reducing pesticide exposure in drinking water sources.

Other practices might not provide the same level of protection against contamination. For instance, using organic pesticides can reduce chemical input but does not specifically address the physical mechanisms that lead to runoff and leaching. Frequent irrigation may lead to increased runoff if not managed properly, while soil compaction can impact water infiltration and drainage, possibly worsening contamination issues.